The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-11-05

NO q % ~ 1~to N Is /8"<0
Into <0t>fn I1s she CROSSED the
room. p< % had been caressing
little y >o Rfer 3ked up with sweet
MAY 6svs shs boy FOR a few min
utesf I know be win BE- good with
me-"
.But he will worry you. Miss Gypsy;
you don't know what mischieyous
child he Isl" Peggy answered. gazing
at the young son with fond proud
worship.
"Oh no. am not afraid; and when
/ am tired OF him, promise I will
send him TO You. win you leave hims"
"You are too kind, miss, and /
thank you very much for noticing my
poor babe. He will be as happy as a
king with you!' n
Gypsy laughed merrily, and lifting
Johnny OF to her lap took of his hat
and cloak.
4Isn't he pretty child? Look at
his beautiful little arms!" she said
softly. as Peggy left the room.
Lily sat down beside her, and gazed
fondly at the boys sweet baby-face.
Her hand trembled as IL touched the
silky golden curls.
"Yes; he Is lovely laddie, and his
mother ought 10 be proud OF him. 4
wish had II 10 my power TO lift the
shadow of sin from his life, and the
shame which will cling TO him In the
tar futurew
Gypsy did not speak, but her tremu-
lous lips were pressed to Johnny's fair
cheek. Meeting his wondering half
piteous look, she shook Oft the sudden
gloom, and commenced gay romp
with him.
In the midst OF IL, whilst she still
knelt on the floor, her dusky hair fall
ing loosely about her face, her eyes
sparkling with light rarely seen in
their depths, the door opened to admit
Ralph Rosslyn.
His stern gaze fell coldly on the
pretty group; then wandered TO where
his wife sat reading, close to the warm
hearth.
As IL warned of an evil presence,
Johnny stayed his sweet shrill laugh
ter, and nesting trustfully in Gipsy's
arms, gazed affrightedly at the in
truder.
"what does this meant / thought
at least dozen children were playing
| in the housed Who is your young
friend, Gipsyf How is II have never
seen him before?" Ralph asked slowly.
Almost unconsciously Gypsy Rugged
the child closer 10 her breast, and all
the pretty colour faded from her
cheeks, leaving them whittier than be-
fore.
ut Is your own fault IL you do not
know little Johnny" she reported.
"He is Peggy Leigh's child."
The frown ceepened on Ralph's
brow, and he glanced angrily at the
tiny babe; furious passion was in his
heart, but he dared not let 1t break
beyond control.
$50 you dared bring a murderer's
low born son into the houseY / won
der at you. Gypsy, encouraging that
woman here, when you know have
forbidden her the housed"
i Lily glanced'up as those words fell
on her ears. and naughty smile curl
ed her lips.
PEGGY is here by my commands. ]
have work for her 10 do; and shall GER
tainly not consult you in the choice of
my needlewomen."
"I do not expect you TO; but at least
that child shall not blacken my home
by his hated presencei IL you do not
take him from my sight l shall do
him harmr' Ralph Kissed hoarsely.
The disdain written on his wife's face
goaded him almost TO madness; with
one quick stride he crossed the room
and pausing before Gypsy, stretched
out his hand as If TO grasp the child's
small form.
The hot blood rushed TO Gipsy's
smooth brow, and as she thrust Johnny
behind her with one hand, she struck
her brother fiercely with the other.
"You coward Would you dare
touch helpless babeY IL l were a
man would knock you down fol
your brutal violencel"
Ralph fell back step. and l0okeo
at the little dauntless figure with blaz
ing eyes. Before he had recovered
from his surprise, or had quite realized
her swift rebellion, Gypsy had caught
the boy In her arms, carrying him
TO his mother.
Peggy looked up as Gypsy entered
and low cry rose 10 her lips; the ter
rible agitation written on the girl
face warned her that something hat
happened. though she could only diml,